The Anti-Defamation League honors George Mason’s Charles Chavis Jr. for his work in civil rights education

Charles Chavis Jr., a professor at George Mason University’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as the founder and director of the John Mitchell, Jr. Program for History, Justice, and Race, will be honored at the  Anti-Defamation League (ADL) In Concert Against Hate, which celebrates everyday heroes who speak out against hate and make a difference in their communities. 

Founded in 1913, the Anti-Defamation League is one of the country’s largest and most influential anti-hate organizations with a long history of addressing bigotry, antisemitism, and injustice. 

Chavis is a historian and prolific author whose work focuses on the history of racial violence and civil rights activism as well as Black-Jewish relations in the American South. Recently, Chavis and the Mitchell Program expanded the experiential learning initiative and began a partnership with Operation Understanding, DC (OUDC), to expand upon shared goals to build community among high schoolers and advance peacebuilding and social justice. 

“I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition,” Chavis said. “The work of building community never ends; we have a responsibility to plant, nurture, and grow partnerships that advance our common ideal for a better world, beginning in the communities where we live.”

Chavis will receive the Kay Family Award from the ADL for his scholarship and work in the field of civil rights, activism, and Black and Jewish relations, as well as his work on bridgebuilding and conflict de-escalation.  

Alpaslan Özerdem, dean of the Carter School, praised Chavis for his groundbreaking and transformational work in the field of race relations. “His dedication and commitment to fostering understanding and reconciliation among diverse communities has made a significant impact. This prestigious award highlights why his work is crucial in our ongoing journey towards creating more just, equitable, and peaceful societies. Dr. Chavis’ contributions not only inspire us but also pave the way for a future where peace and justice prevail.”

Ann Ardis, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, highlighted Chavis’ work: “Dr. Chavis' commitment to civil rights education and advocacy, his place-based research uncovering untold local histories of both trauma and community-building in the U.S., and his leadership in fostering relationships among Black and Jewish youth enriches our academic community and exemplifies values we hold dear as a college.”

“Each year, at this powerful event for our organization, we relish the opportunity to shine a light on heroes who should be celebrated,” said Meredith R. Weisel, ADL Washington, D.C. Regional Director. “At a time when our world is so rife with conflict and division, Dr. Chavis is an embodiment of a light we all need. We are thrilled to highlight him and his crucial work.”

Also receiving Kay Family Awards at this year’s event are Mehnaz Afridi, director of Manhattan University’s Holocaust, Genocide, and Interfaith Education Center; and Holocaust survivor Rosette Goldstein. Previous honorees have included Ruby Bridges, the first African American student to integrate into a southern elementary school; Holocaust survivor Tova Friedman and her grandson, Aron Goodman, who create TikTok videos to educate people about the Holocaust; and Susan Bro, the mother of Heather Heyer who was killed in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the founder of the Heather Heyer Foundation.

About the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

George Mason University’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution is a community of faculty, students, staff, alumni, and partners with a fundamental commitment to building peace. Through the development of cutting-edge theory, research, education, and practical work, we seek to identify and address the underlying causes of conflict and provide tools for ethical and just peacebuilding on the local, national, and global stages. Learn more at carterschool.gmu.edu.

About the College of Humanities and Social Sciences 

The College of Humanities and Social Science is one of the largest colleges at George Mason, employing more than 800 faculty and staff, delivering critical courses for the university community, and offering an expansive range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary degree programs (23 undergraduate majors, 14 graduate certificates, 18 master’s degrees, 9 doctoral degrees, and 22 accelerated master’s degree pathways). Learn more at chss.gmu.edu.

About George Mason University

George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., George Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. George Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.

About The Anti-Defamation League

ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at www.adl.org.